Your CV checklist

In hard times, hundreds of people may apply for a single job. Employers get more applications than they can easily handle. If a rapid scan of a CV or covering letter reveals even a few basic spelling errors, it is likely that it will be cast instantly aside, unread. For that reason, if you are applying for a job, it is imperative that you submit a first-class CV and covering letter.

In case it might be useful, I’ve prepared a CV checklist that covers the main issues:


CV checklist

Presentation

• Restrict your CV to 2 or 3 A4 pages if possible.
• Make sure that the lay-out is clear and well ordered, and makes the text easy to read.
• The font, type sizes, size of headings, spacing and use of bold type and italics should be consistent throughout.
• Use bullet points for lists, but do not have more than 7 or so in one list.
• Keep related information on the same page.

Content

• Include your contact details: phone number, postal address and email address. Make sure that your email address is suitable; if not, set up a new one for your job applications.
• Make sure that your profile is clear and concise.
• List each job in chronological order, beginning with your most recent position.
• Concentrate on your two most recent jobs, as employers will not be much interested in earlier ones.
• List your job titles and the start and finish date of each position, and treat internal promotion as a new job.
• List your (2 or 3) most important responsibilities and achievements in each position. Use strong verbs such as: surpassed, managed, implemented. Mention the number of staff reporting to you, if applicable.
• List the main duties and skills that you can transfer to a new employer.
• Make sure there are no gaps in your work history (if possible).
• Mention any achievements outside your working life.

 Clarity and precision

• Write in plain English and avoid jargon and buzz-words.
• Make sure that the CV overall has a logical flow.
• Use strong, active verbs (eg, not ‘was set up by me’ but ‘I set up’).
• Make sure that the grammar and syntax are correct, and that there are no spelling errors. Do not rely on a spell-check (it will not distinguish, for example, between ‘form’ and ‘from’).

It is hard to proofread your own work, so ask a reliable person (better, two reliable people) to check it for you, or use a professional proofreader/editor.

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